Page 103 of A Duke in the Rough

“True enough. In fact, I think I shall seek out my brilliant wife and show her my appreciation.” Montgomery winked, then stepped aside.

Dr. Marbry shook his head, then gave his full attention to Honoria. “You appear troubled. How may I be of assistance?”

Honoria thought back to when Dr. Marbry had courted her.Although he had found love with her friend, Priscilla, he and Honoria had formed a bond of sorts—more as siblings or dear friends. At the moment, she counted on that bond.

“I saw Priscilla leaving with Mr. Merrick and Miss Weatherby. Might you know the reason they stepped outside and when they’re expected to return?”

“Ah.” The single word spoke volumes, as if he had opened her skull and methodically examined her thoughts. “Mr. Merrick took her outside for some air. Ashton suspected she had not fully recovered from her fall. But I”—his head canted as he continued to study her—“believe her malady is not physical but emotional.”

Honoria gave herself a little shake, trying to decipher his meaning. “I beg your pardon?”

“May I speak freely, my lady?”

She nodded. Perhaps he really could see inside her mind.

“Priscilla and I owe you a great debt for which we are forever grateful. Perhaps I can repay a small measure.”

He paused, as if collecting his thoughts. “A man has a certain look about him when he is in love—especially if he believes that love is hopeless. I recognize it now, even though I refused to admit it in myself for far too long.” His smile broadened. “Until you forced me to face it.” He grew serious again. “Mr. Merrick has that look about him.”

“Oh.” The word seeped out from her like air escaping a tiny leak.

“But not for Miss Weatherby. And I believe Miss Weatherby finally came to acknowledge that fact.”

“Oh.” Honoria’s spine straightened, the word coming out with more conviction.

“You see, I believe Mr. Merrick holds that love for you, Lady Honoria. And if I may be so bold, my darling wife has pointed out to me that, as her dear friend, she suspects you are in love with Mr. Merrick.”

Heat raced up Honoria’s neck, and her cheeks flamed.

“From the look on your face, I would say that, not for the first time, my wife is correct.”

She remained silent. Words seemed superfluous, her acknowledgment was unmistakable.

“Allow me to return the favor. If Mr. Merrick is not already aware—which I suspect he is—tell him you return his ardor. Grasp happiness while you can, my lady. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.”

“But Miss Weatherby believes?—”

He held up a silencing hand, apology in his eyes. “Forgive me, but if someone needs to speak with Miss Weatherby and explain, I volunteer my services. Or if you prefer, Priscilla could. She’s never been at a loss for words.”

Honoria’s lips trembled in a wavering smile. No, Priscilla had not. “I don’t wish to hurt Anne.”

Dr. Marbry nodded. “I quite understand. But speaking as a physician, sometimes a little pain to excise a tumor is better than allowing that tumor to grow. Do you really wish your friend to have a loveless marriage?” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I rather think not. You saved us both from such a fate when you rejected me and set me on the correct path to happiness.”

The orchestra returned to their places, tuning their instruments in preparation for the final dance of the evening.

“Thank you, Dr. Marbry—Timothy. I have the final set with Mr. Merrick. But I will take your words to heart, and if I have need of you or Priscilla, I will let you know.”

“I wish you all the happiness, my lady. If anyone deserves it, you do.”

Couples strolled to the dance floor for the final country line dance, and Honoria scanned the faces once again. Drake and Anne were nowhere to be seen. She wove her way through the crowd and stepped outside.

Soft moonlight spilled onto the stone floor of the terrace. Dim shadows flickered as a cloud passed over the nearly full moon. Honoria squinted, blinded at first by the brazier torches lining the terrace perimeter, steps, and long walkway of the gardens.

Movement from the left drew Honoria’s attention. Standing out of the light, their figures mere silhouettes, a couple embraced. Wind stirred and a subsequent blaze from a torch flared, shedding more light on the couple and illuminating a flash of the petite woman’s red hair.

Unbidden, Honoria’s hand rose to cover her mouth and stifle hergasp. She squinted again, the light from the torch retreating. The man with the woman was tall and broad shouldered. Try as she might, Honoria couldn’t make out his features. Bent down for a kiss, his face was obscured by the back of the woman’s head.

Frantically, she surveyed the area for Priscilla. There. Along the path to the garden, a woman strolled alone.

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